Insulated Gear for Hikers

Introduction

Hiking is best experienced during the winter season as you have the energy level to cover a great distance. However there is every possibility of your catching a cold and falling sick if you do not wrap yourself in layers of warm clothing. Jackets made out of insulation fibers traps body heat helping you to stay warm during frosty or chilly weather.

The Patagonia Nano-Air Jacket is remarkably lightweight jacket making it ideal for hiking, trekking and mountaineering. The jacket has been stitched out of 100% nylon ripstop shell and the inner layer has been fabricated from FullRange insulation.

FEATURES

100% pure nylon fabric

Hydrophobic fibers

DWR finish

Elastic cuffs

Drawcord hem

Hand pockets with zippers

Chest pocket with zipper

PROS

Stretchy and breathable fabric

FullRange insulation layer furnishes protection from the elements

Extremely lightweight and resilient

The softness and flexibility of the jacket makes for a customized fit without inhibiting motion

Insulated pockets with zippers keep the hands warm

CONS

The Mountain Hardwear Thermostatic Jacket is one of the best jackets that work as a mid-layer clothing for keeping yourself warm without hindering mobility. Reinforced with Thermal Q Elite synthetic insulation material comprising dense polyester fibers, this jacket locks in body heat.

FEATURES

Nylon

Thermal Q Elite 60-gram insulation

Two pockets for hand warming

Fully compressible for easy packing

Insulation layer safe from abrasion caused by outer layer

Outer layer made from 15-denier ripstop nylon

PROS

Extraordinarily light

Stitched from high quality insulated materials that prevents body heat from escaping

Flexibility allows full range of motion

Works best when worn over an inner layer of clothing

CONS

It is the inventive design of the Outdoor Research Men’s Uberlayer Hooded Jacket that makes it suitable for using in cold weather. A Polartec Alpha insulation layer sits between a nylon shell and polyester mesh tier which drives out excessive heat during movement but traps it when you’re stationary.

FEATURES

Shell is 100% nylon

Lining is pure polyester

Insulation layer: Polartec Alpha

Water resistant

Wind resistant

Front zippered

Offers complete mobility

PROS

The jacket allows the hiker to breathe normally

Robust construction means the jacket provides warmth for years on end

The jacket fits comfortably on most individuals

Main zipper can be opened from both top and down

Two zippered hand warming pockets

CONS

The Arcteryx Atom LT Hoody comes with an external DWR layer that provides protection from inclement weather. Sides of this jacket have panels stitched out of Polartec Power Stretch material that promote mobility and breathability.

FEATURES

Moisture-resistance outer layer

Wind resistant

Breathable

Compressible

Gussetted underarms

Insulated hood

Two hand warming pockets

Front zipper with flapper

Adaptable hem drawcord

Luminara nylon-weave fabric

PROS

DWR layer made from20-denier nylon furnishes protection from the elements and is resistant to abrasion

The jacket can be fully compressed helping in easy packing

Articulated elbows and adjustable hem allows mobility

CONS

The front pockets have good height but not wide enough for taking in large hands

The elastic drawcord for the hood can graze against the ears making you feel uncomfortable

Conclusion

A total of 4 premium insulation jackets were considered in this review and each product starting from the Patagonia Nano-Air to the Arcteryx
Atom LT Hoody were found to satisfy all the yardsticks required for being classified as a good quality insulation jacket.